Nationwide Series driver Jeremy Clements explained in detail Thursday exactly how he finds himself suspended indefinitely from NASCAR competition.

In a one-on-one interview with ESPN, Clements would not verbalize the specific comments he made, but when pressed for clarity about whether or not it was racial, he paused. Asked again, "Was it racial or not? Maybe not in context, but in term?" Clements replied: "Correct."

"When you say 'racial' remark, it wasn't used to describe anybody or anything," Clements said. "So that's all I'm going to say to that. And it really wasn't. I was describing racing, and the word I used was incorrect and I shouldn't have said it. It shouldn't be used at all."

A source told ESPN.com's David Newton on Wednesday that Clements was banned for using a racial slur while talking to a reporter. NASCAR officials wouldn't offer specifics on what Clements said, only that it was an "intolerable and insensitive remark" that violated the sanctioning body's Code of Conduct for actions detrimental to stock car racing.

I don't know what he said but suspended indefinitely? Seriously? I have no tolerance for any type of racial slur, but come on. Even the druggies have a path for atonement...

I think I know the word he used, which isn't nice, but I don't believe it was suspension worthy in the context he used. That is if what he's saying is true. I'm reading a series of books where that word is used a few times to describe things and places that are "cheap". And he wasn't being interviewed either, just taking them to Jo Long's hauler. I guess the MTV reporter was feeling a little left out with all the real reporters there and wanted and a little more attention. Or it could have been the NASCAR employee that went to the powers that be. In any case, I think the suspension is a bit harsh, if he used the word I think he did. JMO

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe" - Friedrich Nietzsche

From the articles I have read, the slur was used to describe any other driver who was driving poorly. Take the n-word and put it into an otherwise derogative phrase involving a relative and you will be pretty close to what Clements said.

As for the indeterminate time, my guess is they have to create a new "wash out the mouth" road to redemption. Maybe 8 hours of sensitivity classes.